GED program graduates recognized

June 4, 2012

PARKERSBURG - More than 300 people attended the Adult Recognition Ceremony for Wood County Schools at West Virginia University at Parkersburg on May 31.

Seventy-eight graduates participated in the ceremony. In Wood County this year, 268 individuals took the GED test and 187 passed all parts of the test, school officials said.

Partners in Education for Adult Education in Wood County are National College and Parkersburg Rotary Club. Staff from National College provided a reception and refreshments after the ceremony.

Rotary Club President Jerry Parkins presented a monetary award to two outstanding students. Those recipients were Tia Saxton and Robert Wright.

Rhonda Tracy, senior vice president at WVU-P, issued 18 scholarships to GED recipients, totaling more than $70,000 in awards.

In addition to the scholarships, an invitation was extended to every graduate in attendance to take one class at the college tuition free.

Superintendent of Schools Pat Law provided the welcome. Also in attendance were assistant superintendents, board of education members and business and community leaders.

Music was provided by Cynthia, David and Rachael Puls. Ray Pyles, retired assistant director of Adult and Technical Education, led the pledge of allegiance and invocation.

Doug Kiger, principal/director of Adult and Technical Education, provided opening remarks and guest introductions. The Adult Education staff introductions and program statistics were given by Linda McClead, Adult Program coordinator.

Bruce Goody, GED examiner in Wood County, introduced the keynote speaker, Debra Kimbler. She is the state GED administrator.

Sarah Breeden, a former GED recipient who has gone on to graduate from college, gave words of encouragement and motivation to the recent graduates.